Can anyone help with this little mystery. On the night of 14th August 1943, F/O John Davidson was returning home from an anti-shipping patrol off the French Coast when he was shot down by a ‘friendly’ night fighter in 137 Squadron Hurricane IV KZ578. The entry in the 137 ORB states, ‘Night flying tests and practice dusk and night flying preceded an anti-shipping Patrol by F/O Davidson. He was airborne at 2235 and on his way back at 2325 was unfortunately shot down about 10 miles off North Foreland by a —– of —- Squadron who had mistaken him for an enemy. He was seen to come down in flames and although a search of the area was made no trace of him could be found and he is presumed killed.’ His wife was not told it was friendly fire, only that he had not returned and was missing.
Im trying to fill in the blanks, ie the aircraft type and Squadron of the night fighter, and names of the crew.
By: Arabella-Cox - 10th February 2013 at 23:17
Thanks Andy, I’ll try 12 o’clock
By: Arabella-Cox - 10th February 2013 at 12:45
Brian Cull’s book ‘Blue on Blue’ will probably cover it. You will find him on the Twelve o’clock High forum. I do have the book, but it isn’t to hand at mo.
Incidents such as this were really very common, sadly.
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February 10, 2013 at 12:01 pm